Emma Smith was instructed to make a selection of sacred hymns for the early Church. This is a replica of “A Collection of Sacred Hymns for the Church of the Latter Day Saints.” It was first printed in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1835. The book contains 90 hymns—words only.
The preface says, “In order to sing by the Spirit, and with the understanding, it is necessary that the Church of the Latter Day Saints should have a collection of “Sacred Hymns,” adapted to their faith and belief in the gospel, and, as far as can be, holding forth the promises made to the fathers who died in the precious faith of a glorious resurrection, and a thousand years’ reign on earth with the Son of Man in His glory.
Notwithstanding the Church, as it were, is still in its infancy, yet, as the song of the righteous is a prayer unto God, it is sincerely hoped that the following collection, selected with an eye single to His glory, may answer every purpose till more are composed, or till we are blessed with a copious variety of the songs of Zion.”
Note that the photo shows the front cover and the spine.
